“We are Motivated to be in Constant Communication with the Media to Enforce the Law in a Way that will Improve the Media Environment” – Kakha Bekauri

“I can promise you that we will be as loyal as possible in enforcing the law, especially until the practice is implemented. We are interested in ensuring that obscenity and hate speech are no longer present in the media. Just like the public and you, we want to prevent the spread of disinformation and our society being misled. Facts should not be misinterpreted or distorted, opinions should not be turned into facts, and the interests of the viewers should be protected,” ComCom Chairman Kakha Bekauri stated during a meeting of the Commission, noting that the law must be followed, as it requires adherence to basic journalistic standards that the media is well aware of.  

According to Mr. Bekauri, the Commission will cooperate with the media to the maximum extent possible in order to eliminate violations, especially if a mistake is made. In the event that any media outlet acts deliberately, this will also become evident in the process, and the Communications Commission will respond accordingly. 

“I know journalism and I worked in television for a long time. From what I can see, it seems that some journalists lack knowledge. However, this will not be the determining factor in punishing the media. We must educate and raise the standards, and the Commission is motivated to do so. No television station will be punished for unintentional mistakes. We will remain as loyal as possible. The main thing is to ensure that the law is not violated intentionally. We are ready and motivated to help you, and to cooperate as much as possible. We shall hold as many working meetings as necessary, including with the involvement of members of the Commission, and be in constant communication to prevent violations. If you have any questions for broadcasters, we will be ready to consult and offer our opinion on any specific fact,” Mr. Bekauri stated during the meeting. 

Kakha Bekauri noted that TV Pirveli is the only television station so far that has requested a working meeting with the Commission, and that the process was highly productive. 

“TV Pirveli is the only television station that expressed a desire to arrange working meetings and followed up on it. TV Formula also expressed their interest, but did not attend the meeting. Other channels have not expressed any interest at all, but we want to make this happen, and I think the media should want it too. I expect close cooperation in this regard, and you will definitely see it happen – if not today, then tomorrow,” Kakha Bekauri stated.